Insecure Leaders and Leadership Deception | 1 Samuel 13:1-4

Are your insecurities leading to deception?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience."

Chapter 13 jumps forward in time about two years after Saul's inauguration. Saul and Jonathan, his son, who is probably in his 20s, are going to divide forces and see if they can deal with these garrisons of Philistine soldiers encamped around the region of Israel. They encamped around the region mostly to intimidate the Israelites. Here is how the first four verses read:

Saul lived for one year and then became king, and when he had reigned for two years over Israel, Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home, every man to his tent. Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. — 1 Samuel 13:1-4

The author captures two interesting details here.

First, we notice that Jonathan is the one who finally deals with that garrison of Philistine soldiers mentioned back in 1 Samuel 10:5. If you recall when Saul was making his trip back after being anointed by Samuel as the first king, he was told he would meet a garrison of Philistine soldiers and also some prophesying prophets. This is that same garrison. Clearly, Saul has left this issue unaddressed, which means that two years later, his son has to deal with it.

Second, it is revealing that Saul declares his son's victory, takes credit for it, and never corrects the misunderstanding that it was Jonathan's victory and not his own. If you work in a large business with a deep hierarchy, this is about every day of your business existence. Insecure leaders in the hierarchy above you blame you if you fail and take credit from you if you succeed.

This situation is an early indication of the type of man and leader we know Saul will be. Insecure leaders who are untested and have questionable character will do deceptive things. Over time, these small deceptions will become more pronounced until they are finally exposed and called out.

If you want to avoid these issues in your life and leadership, you must assess your fears, confess your insecurities, address your character faults, and ensure that you are putting your faith and trust in God, who is your salvation in every situation. Don't do what Saul does here, which only tips his life and leadership in the wrong direction.

#LeadershipLessons, #FaithInAction, #OvercomingInsecurity

Ask This:

In what areas of your life might you be practicing partial obedience, and how can you fully align your actions with God’s commands?

How do you handle situations where others take credit for your work or blame you for their failures, and what steps can you take to maintain integrity and trust in those moments?

Do This:

Assess your fears, confess your insecurities, and address your character faults.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to recognize and address any areas of partial obedience in my life, guiding me to fully align my actions with Your will. Strengthen my integrity and trust in You, especially when facing challenges or unfair treatment. Amen.

Play This:

Trust In God.